Ototoxic Effect of Nicotinamide Riboside

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 with potential health benefits.
• The effects of NR on the auditory system, particularly after repeated administration, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functional impact of repeated intravenous nicotinamide riboside (NR) administration on the Wistar rat auditory system.
• To assess changes in both receptor and retrocochlear auditory pathways following NR treatment.

Main Methods:

• Wistar rats were administered repeated intravenous doses of NR (cumulative dose: 2700 mg/kg).
• Auditory function was assessed using short-latency auditory evoked potentials (SLAEPs) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).
• Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after NR administration, and at 1 and 2 months post-administration.

Main Results:

• Repeated intravenous NR administration demonstrated a detrimental effect on the cochlear structures of the auditory system.
• Functional activity assessments indicated negative alterations in auditory system components post-NR treatment.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that repeated intravenous administration of nicotinamide riboside can be harmful to the cochlear part of the auditory system in Wistar rats.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind NR's ototoxicity and to determine safe dosage limits.